Microsoft Wants to Turn Ads Into Ad-Free Gameplay Credits, But Valve’s Steam Rules Reject the Model

Microsoft’s newly published patent for context-aware advertising in games has drawn attention because it proposes a system where players could watch advertisements and receive additional uninterrupted gameplay time. The idea is designed to avoid disrupting active gameplay by waiting for appropriate moments before showing promotional content. The concept becomes more interesting when compared with Valve’s approach to advertising on Steam. In February 2025, Valve made its existing restrictions on advertising-based game monetization much more visible through a dedicated Steamworks policy.…